Domestic Violence Awareness Month
2024 Annual Survivor Vigil: A Night of Reflection and Hope
On October 17th, 2024, Turning Point of Lehigh Valley gathered at the beautiful First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem for our Annual Survivor Vigil. This sacred space, where Turning Point first planted its roots, provided the perfect setting for an evening of remembrance, resilience, and hope. We extend a special thank you to the church for hosting us; their hospitality and the venue’s tranquil beauty amplified the emotional power of the evening.
As guests arrived, they were welcomed by the soothing music of Dina Hall, a long-time advocate and supporter of Turning Point. Her melodic tunes created a comforting atmosphere, inviting attendees into a space of healing and solidarity.
Our community partners showed up in force to support the event. Bradbury-Sullivan Center, our local LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, attended in full support, while Metro Beauty added a joyful touch, offering face painting and tinsel hair to those who wanted to participate. Together, they helped cultivate a sense of unity, making this event not only impactful but also uplifting.
The heart of the evening was carried by five incredible survivor speakers, each offering a personal glimpse into the impact of domestic and intimate partner abuse. One survivor read a moving poem that captured the pain and hope woven through their journey. Another speaker recounted her childhood experiences with abuse and shared her struggles with mental health, offering the audience a powerful hands-on activity related to trauma. Our youngest speaker ever, full of courage, delivered a poignant message to her younger self, providing inspiration and hope for youth who may face similar challenges.
One of the most powerful moments came when a male survivor took the stage, asking the audience a question that resonated deeply: “Do you see me?” His words reminded us that domestic and intimate partner abuse affects people of all genders, and his story became a beacon of hope for others.
The final speaker of the evening, affiliated with Guardian, one of our most dedicated supporters, shared the heartbreaking story of a Guardian employee who tragically lost her life to domestic and intimate partner abuse. Following her remarks, we were moved by an impactful video created by the employee’s daughter, Sarah. Sarah spoke about her mother’s life, the love she shared, and the legacy she left behind. Today, Sarah channels her pain into powerful advocacy work, continuing to fight for survivors like her mother, offering hope and support to others each day.
Throughout the night, participants were guided through different spaces, each carefully crafted to honor survivors and those lost to abuse. In the Remembrance Room, luminaries flickered in memory of Five Lehigh Valley residents and 119 other Pennsylvanians who lost their lives to domestic and intimate partner violence this year. Each candle symbolized the light they continue to shine through us. The Empty Place at the Table exhibit served as a somber reminder of the void left in the lives of their loved ones, a void that can never truly be filled.
Our Executive Director, Lori Sywensky, opened the program with a powerful reminder: we all play a crucial role in ending domestic and intimate partner abuse, and our collective action can empower survivors. The survivor speakers took us on an emotional journey, allowing us to witness their pain, courage, and determination. They left us with a call to believe survivors and to continue advocating for a world free from violence.
As we paused for a moment of silence, the glow of the candles honoring those lost was a powerful testament to the lives forever changed by domestic violence. The evening concluded with a sense of renewed hope and unity. As participants exited through the glowing lights and words of the Clothesline Project, the voices of survivors and their loved ones once again echoed through the space, reaffirming the power of community and the courage to heal.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s vigil. A special thanks to Back Door Bake Shop and Anthony’s Pizza for generously providing food and baked goods that added to the evening’s warmth. We also look forward to sharing the powerful video captured by Nika Bell of Serenika Productions. To view her previous work, visit our website.
This year’s vigil was a moving reminder that, while the scars of abuse may remain, they are not what define us. What defines us is the courage to heal, the strength to fight for change, and the power to believe in a future where everyone is safe. Together, we will continue to shine a light on the darkness of abuse, and in that light, we will find hope.
